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Abstract:

A cleaning system for a cooking range exhaust having a hood, a backsplash,
and a flue for exhausting cooking effluent is disclosed. The cleaning
system includes a fluid delivery system constructed for placement within
the cooking range exhaust. The fluid delivery system includes a hood
spray conduit constructed for placement within the hood and comprising
spray openings for directing a degreasing composition to the backsplash.
The fluid delivery system includes a flue spray conduit constructed for
placement within the flue and comprising spray openings for directing the
degreasing composition to an interior surface of the flue. The cleaning
system includes a pump system constructed for conveying the degreasing
composition from a degreasing composition source and through the fluid
delivery system. The cleaning system includes a collection reservoir
constructed to collect degreasing composition runoff from the cooking
range exhaust. A method of cleaning a cooking range exhaust and a self
cleaning exhaust system are also disclosed.

Claims:

1. A cleaning system for a cooking range exhaust including a hood having a
backsplash and a flue, the cleaning system comprising:a fluid delivery
system constructed for at least partial placement within the cooking
range exhaust, the fluid delivery system including,a non-rotating hood
spray conduit constructed for placement within the hood and adjacent an
interior surface of the backsplash, the hood spray conduit longitudinally
traversing a substantial portion of the backsplash and comprising a
plurality of fixed spray openings for directing a degreasing composition
to substantially the entire interior surface of the backsplash; anda pump
system constructed for conveying the degreasing composition from a
degreasing composition source and through the fluid delivery system.

2. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the fluid delivery system
further comprises a non-rotating flue spray conduit constructed for
placement within the flue and comprising a plurality of spray openings
for directing the degreasing composition to substantially an entire
interior surface of the flue.

3. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein at least one of the spray
openings of the flue spray conduit is configured to vertically spray the
degreasing composition into a fan subsystem located vertically above a
top end portion of the flue spray conduit.

4. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the fluid delivery system
further comprises a first connection conduit connecting the hood spray
conduit to the pump system along a first fluid path, and a second
connection conduit connecting the flue spray conduit to the pump system
along a second fluid path spaced from the first fluid path.

5. The cleaning system of claim 2, wherein the flue spray conduit connects
to the hood spray conduit within the cooking range exhaust.

6. The cleaning system of claim 5, wherein the fluid delivery system
further comprises a first connection conduit connecting the hood spray
conduit and the flue spray conduit to the pump system.

7. The cleaning system of claim 1, further comprising a collection
reservoir constructed to collect degreasing composition run-off from the
cooking range exhaust.

8. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein each of the fixed spray
openings of the hood spray conduit comprise a non-rotary spray nozzle.

9. The cleaning system of claim 1, wherein the pump system is further
constructed for conveying water from a water source and through the fluid
delivery system.

10. The cleaning system of claim 9, wherein the pump system includes a
pump configured to alternatively connect to the degreasing composition
source and the water source.

11. The cleaning system of claim 1, further comprising at least one
non-penetrable mounting clamp constructed to hold a portion of the fluid
delivery system within the cooking range exhaust, the at least one
non-penetrable mounting clamp terminating in one or more frictionally
engaging feet.

12. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the at least one
non-penetrable mounting clamp includes two opposed adjustable legs
extending from opposite sides of a clamp body.

13. The cleaning system of claim 1, further comprising a user-interface
integrated with the pump system allowing control and programming of the
pump system, the user-interface including a memory storing a performance
history of the pump system.

14. The cleaning system of claim 1 in combination with a fire prevention
system integrated with the cooking range exhaust, and configured to
detect and extinguish fires in the cooking range exhaust.

15. A self-cleaning and fire prevention exhaust system, comprising:a
cooking range exhaust comprising a hood having a backsplash and a flue
having a flue opening into the hood, wherein the hood is provided in
proximity to a cooking area to recover cooking effluent when the cooking
range exhaust is operated;a first fluid delivery system mounted on the
cooking range exhaust, the first fluid delivery system including a
non-rotating hood spray conduit provided within the hood and comprising a
plurality of fixed spray openings to deliver a degreasing composition to
the backsplash;a second fluid delivery system mounted on the cooking
range exhaust, the second fluid delivery system including a plurality of
spray openings to deliver fire-extinguishing water; anda pump system
constructed for conveying the degreasing composition from a degreasing
composition source or water from a water source and through the first or
second fluid delivery system.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first fluid delivery system
further comprises a flue spray conduit provided within the flue and
comprising a plurality of spray openings provided to deliver the
degreasing composition to an interior surface of the flue.

17. A method of cleaning a cooking range exhaust including a hood having a
backsplash and a flue, the method comprising:storing a degreasing
composition;pumping the degreasing composition to a fluid delivery system
at least partially positioned in an area of the hood bounded by one or
more exhaust filters and the backsplash; andspraying the degreasing
composition on the backsplash and an interior surface portion of the flue
using fixed spray openings of the fluid delivery system.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein spraying the degreasing composition on
the backsplash includes using a non-rotating hood spray conduit
longitudinally traversing a substantial portion of the backsplash and
comprising a plurality of fixed spray openings for directing the
degreasing composition to substantially an entire interior surface of the
backsplash.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein spraying the degreasing composition on
the interior surface portion of the flue includes using a non-rotating
flue spray conduit comprising a plurality of fixed spray openings for
directing the degreasing composition to substantially an entire interior
surface of the flue.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising spraying the degreasing
composition into a fan subsystem located vertically above a top end
portion of the flue spray conduit.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising rinsing the backsplash and
the interior surface portion of the flue with water.

22. The method of claim 17, further comprising draining the degreasing
composition from the cooking range exhaust using an opening in a drain
tough.

23. The method of claim 17, further comprising programming a time for
automatic pumping of the degreasing composition using a user-interface
integrated with the pump system.

24. The method of claim 17, further comprising storing a record of the
degreasing cycles performed within a time period.

25. The method of claim 17, further comprising positioning an exhaust
filter below a flue opening to receive the degreasing composition run-off
from the flue and convey the degreasing composition run-off to a drain
trough, the exhaust filter extending at least ten inches beyond each side
of the flue opening.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein positioning the exhaust filter below
the flue opening includes using one or more markers located on the
cooking range exhaust.

27. The method of claim 17, further comprising detecting and extinguishing
fires in the cooking range exhaust using a fire prevention system
integrated with the cooking range exhaust.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001]This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/373,474 (assigned U.S. Pat. No.
7,832,391), entitled "RANGE EXHAUST CLEANING SYSTEM," filed on Mar. 10,
2006, the specification of which is incorporated herein in its entirety
by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present invention relates to a cooking range exhaust cleaning
system, and to a method for cleaning a cooking range exhaust.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Range exhaust systems installed in conjunction with cooking ranges
generally include a range hood and exhaust flue, and are used to draw
smoke, odor, grease, and other types of cooking effluent away from a
cooking surface. In drawing the effluent away from the cooking range, the
grease and other substances accumulate on the surfaces of the hood and
exhaust flue. The surfaces of the cooking range exhaust, when covered in
accumulated cooking effluent, are therefore a significant fire hazard
because grease and other highly flammable effluent are retained near the
hot cooking area.

[0004]Because of the significant fire danger involved in cooking below
accumulated grease and other cooking effluent in a cooking range exhaust,
the surfaces of the range hood and flue must be cleaned regularly.
However, cleaning the exhaust flue and the backsplash in the range hood
is particularly difficult due to the confined, remote area involved. For
this reason, restaurants with cooking areas having such cooking range
exhausts clean these difficult to reach portions of the cooking range
exhaust periodically. Cleaning of these difficult to reach areas can be
costly, messy, and can require closure of the kitchen during the cleaning
process.

SUMMARY

[0005]A cleaning system for a cooking range exhaust having a hood, a
backsplash, and a flue for exhausting cooking effluent is disclosed. The
cleaning system includes a fluid delivery system constructed for
placement within the cooking range exhaust. The fluid delivery system
includes a hood spray conduit constructed for placement within the hood
and comprising spray openings for directing a degreasing composition to
the backsplash. The fluid delivery system also includes a flue spray
conduit constructed for placement within the flue and comprising spray
openings for directing the degreasing composition to an interior surface
of the flue. The cleaning system includes a pump system constructed for
conveying the degreasing composition from a degreasing composition source
and through the fluid delivery system. The cleaning system further
includes a collection reservoir constructed to collect degreasing
composition run off from the cooking range exhaust.

[0006]A method of cleaning a cooking range exhaust having a hood, a
backsplash, and a flue is also disclosed. The method includes spraying a
degreasing composition on the backsplash and an interior surface of the
flue, the degreasing composition stored at a degreasing composition
source and sprayed by a pump system connected to a fluid delivery system.
The method also includes rinsing the backsplash and the interior surface
of the flue with water drawn from a water source by the pump system and
sprayed via the fluid delivery system.

[0007]A self-cleaning exhaust system is also disclosed. The system
includes a cooking range exhaust including a hood, a backsplash, and a
flue having a flue opening into the hood, wherein the hood is provided in
proximity to a cooking area to recover cooking effluent when the cooking
range is operated. The system also includes a fluid delivery system
mounted on the cooking range exhaust. The fluid delivery system includes
a hood spray conduit and a flue spray conduit. The hood spray conduit is
provided within the hood and includes spray openings provided to deliver
a degreasing composition to the backsplash. The flue spray conduit is
provided within the flue and including spray openings to deliver the
degreasing composition to an interior surface of the flue. The system
further includes a pump system constructed for conveying the degreasing
composition from a degreasing composition source and through the fluid
delivery system. The system includes a collection reservoir constructed
to collect degreasing composition run off from the cooking range exhaust.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a front schematic view of a cleaning system for a cooking
range exhaust according to the principles of the present invention;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a front schematic view of a cleaning system for a cooking
range exhaust according to the principles of the present invention;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of the cleaning system of FIG. 1;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a side schematic view of a cleaning system for a cooking
range exhaust according to an alternate embodiment of the present
disclosure having a fluid conduit reaching into a fan subsystem according
to the principles of the present invention;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a portion of a cleaning
system for a cooking range exhaust according to the principles of the
present invention;

[0013]FIG. 6 is a detailed schematic view of a portion of the cleaning
system of FIG. 5;

[0014]FIG. 7 is a front schematic view of a mounting clamp used to mount
portions of the cleaning system within the cooking range exhaust
according to the principles of the present invention;

[0015]FIG. 8 is a perspective schematic view of a range hood with an
exhaust filter according to the principles of the present invention; and

[0016]FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic view of an exhaust filter
according to the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017]The present disclosure relates generally to a cleaning system for a
cooking range exhaust, and a method of using a cleaning system to clean a
cooking range exhaust. The disclosure contemplates a cleaning system
constructed for use in conjunction with a cooking range exhaust. The
cooking range exhaust of the present disclosure generally is a range
exhaust having a hood, a backsplash, and a flue that can be found in
proximity to cooking areas in restaurants and other kitchen settings. The
cleaning system is generally configured to remove cooking effluent from
portions of the cooking range exhaust. The cooking effluent to be removed
can include grease, smoke residue, and other contaminants. The cleaning
system can use a degreasing composition to remove the cooking effluent.
While the invention is being described in the context of a number of
preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the invention can be
used in a wide variety of arrangements and on a variety of cooking range
exhaust configurations. The invention can work in conjunction with
cooking exhaust systems having straight or angled flue configurations.

[0018]Referring now to FIG. 1, a front schematic view of a cleaning system
10 for a cooking range exhaust 100 is shown according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure. The cooking range exhaust 100 is located in
proximity to a cooking area 101. The cooking area 101 can include a range
or other cooking or frying appliance. In the embodiment shown, cooking
range exhaust 100 is located above the cooking area 101, and includes a
range hood 104, a backsplash 106, a flue 108, and a grease trough 110.
The backsplash 106 as shown is located within the hood 104. The flue 108
has a flue opening 109 within the range hood 104. A plurality of exhaust
filters (not shown) reside within the range hood 104 along its entire
length, and are removable for ease of cleaning. One particular exhaust
filter adapted for use consistent with the present disclosure is shown
below in conjunction with FIGS. 8-9.

[0019]The cooking range exhaust 100 can include a fire prevention system
112, which can generally be located at least partially within the range
hood 104 and flue 108. The fire prevention system 112 is required by
state and federal government regulations for safety reasons, and coexists
with the cleaning system 10. It is noted that in the embodiments of this
disclosure, the cleaning system 10 remains separate from the fire
prevention system 112.

[0020]In general, the cleaning system 10 sprays a degreasing composition
on a backsplash 106 and flue 108 of the cooking range exhaust 100. After
waiting a predetermined time sufficient for the degreasing composition to
react with the grease built up on the backsplash 106 and flue 108, the
cleaning system 10 sprays water on the same surfaces to rinse the cooking
range exhaust 100.

[0021]The degreasing composition used in the present disclosure is largely
a matter of choice; however it is desired that a chemical capable of
loosening grease from metal surfaces in hard to reach areas. Exemplary
degreasing compositions that can be used include a composition named
Lift-off from GreenTree® by Northland Chemical Corp., and Power Force
from Ecolab®.

[0022]The cleaning system 10 includes a pump system 12 and a fluid
delivery system 14. The pump system 12 can be connected to a water source
16 and a degreasing composition source 18, and is constructed for
conveying a degreasing composition from the degreasing composition source
18 to the fluid delivery system 14. The pump system 12 can also be
constructed to convey water from the water source 16 to the fluid
delivery system 14. The degreasing composition source 18 can be a
degreasing composition reservoir contained in the pump system 12.
Alternately, an external connection from the pump system 12 could lead to
a degreasing composition source 18. The water source 16 can be a water
reservoir contained in the pump system 12, an attachment to a water
spigot, or any other water source capable of supplying sufficient water
to rinse the degreasing composition from the backsplash 106 and the flue
108.

[0023]The pump system 12 can include a pump 13 that is alternately
connected to the degreasing composition source 18 and the water source
16. The pump system 12 20 can connect the same pump 13 to the degreasing
composition source 18 or to the water source 16, such that either
degreasing composition or water is propelled by the pump through the
fluid delivery system 14. This connection can be, for example, an
electronically timed valve or other fluid control system in the pump
system 12. The pump system 12 can further include a touch screen 20 that
can be used to control the pump 13, or access historical records of pump
operation. The touch screen 20 can be electrically connected to a
microcontroller and memory (not shown) within the pump system 12 to
control pump 13 operation. Of course, alternative control mechanisms such
as switches or buttons could be used to control the pump 13 as well.
Manual controls can also be incorporated into the pump system 12.

[0024]The fluid delivery system 14 includes a hood spray conduit 22
constructed for placement within the hood 104. In the embodiment shown,
the hood spray conduit 22 extends along substantially the entire length
of the range hood 104 and backsplash 106. In alternate embodiments, the
hood spray conduit 22 can extend less than the entire length of the range
hood 104.

[0025]The fluid delivery system 14 also includes a flue spray conduit 24
constructed for placement within the flue 108. In the embodiment shown,
the flue spray conduit extends substantially the entire height of the
flue 108. In alternate embodiments, the flue spray conduit 24 can be
either shorter or longer than shown. For example, the flue spray conduit
can extend into a fan subsystem as shown in FIG. 4.

[0026]The hood spray conduit 22 is connected to the pump system 12 by a
first connection conduit 26. Likewise, the flue spray conduit 24 is
connected to the pump system 12 by a second connection conduit 28. In the
embodiment shown, the hood spray conduit 22 is integral with the first
connection conduit 26, and the flue spray conduit 24 is integral with the
second connection conduit 28. By integral, it is intended that the
conduits are formedly attached or commonly manufactured from a single
conduit.

[0027]In an alternate embodiment, the fluid conduits 22, 24 are not
integral with their respective connection conduits 26, 28. Rather, the
conduits are joined by a junction piece, such as a sleeve or elbow
junction.

[0028]In alternate embodiments of the present disclosure, the first
connection conduit 26 can connect both the hood spray conduit 22 and the
flue spray conduit 24 to the pump system 12. In one such embodiment, the
flue spray conduit 24 connects to the hood spray conduit 22 within the
hood 104, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0029]Both the hood spray conduit 22 and the flue spray conduit 24 include
spray openings, seen as spray nozzles 30. The spray openings, shown as
the spray nozzles 30, are spaced along both the hood spray conduit 22 and
the flue spray conduit 24. The spray openings spaced along the hood spray
conduit 22 are orientable toward the backsplash 106. The spray openings
spaced along the flue spray conduit 24 can be oriented toward an interior
surface of the flue 108. This orientation allows the spray nozzles 30 in
the hood spray conduit 22 and flue spray conduit 24 to direct the
degreasing composition to the backsplash 106 and flue 108, respectively.
Further configurations of the spray openings beyond spray nozzles 30 are
possible. For example, the openings may be holes in the first and flue
spray conduits 22, 24.

[0030]In various embodiments of the present invention, the fluid delivery
system 14 can be formed at least in part from stainless steel pipe. The
spray nozzles 30 can be, for example, fitted to or welded over openings
in the pipe. Of course, other conduit materials could be used, and other
methods for attaching spray nozzles 30 could be implemented.

[0031]The cleaning system 10 also includes a collection reservoir 32. The
collection reservoir 32 is constructed to collect degreasing composition
run off from the cooking range exhaust 100. Degreasing composition run
off can include the degreasing composition, water used to rinse the
degreasing composition from the cooking range exhaust, and cooking
effluent removed from the cooking range exhaust by the degreasing
composition. Additional cooking, degreasing, or rinsing substances can be
included in the degreasing composition run off as well.

[0032]In the embodiment shown, the range hood 104 includes a drain or
grease trough 110. The cleaning system 10 can include a drain pipe 34
leading from the drain trough 110 to the collection reservoir 32,
allowing the degreasing composition run off collecting in the drain
trough 110 to migrate to the collection reservoir 32 or drain. Other
configurations of the drain pipe 34 and collection reservoir 34 are
possible, such as to accommodate cooking range exhausts having different
types of drain troughs.

[0033]In use, the cleaning system 10 can be programmed via the touch
screen 20 on the pump system 12 to activate at a specific time of day.
For example, the cleaning system 10 could be programmed to operate at
night after use of the cooking area and range exhaust is completed for
the day. At the assigned time, the pump system 12 can activate, and can
connect the pump 13 to the degreasing composition source 18. The pump
system 12 can then force degreasing composition from the degreasing
composition source 18, through the fluid delivery system 14, and out
spray nozzles 30 spaced along the hood spray conduit 22 and the flue
spray conduit 24. The pump system 12 activates pump 13 for a sufficient
time to spray the degreasing composition onto the backsplash 106 and at
least one interior surface of the flue 108. The pump system 12 can then
stop the pump 13, allowing the degreasing composition remaining in the
fluid delivery system 14 to drain back through the pump system 12 to the
degreasing composition source 18.

[0034]The pump system 12 can wait a predetermined time to allow the
degreasing composition to allow the degreasing composition to
sufficiently contact the grease to allow removal of grease and other
contaminants from the affected surfaces of the backsplash 106 and flue
108. For example, the pump system 12 can wait at least three seconds, at
least 5 seconds, at least 30 seconds or at least one minute to allow the
degreasing composition to sufficiently contact the grease. After
sufficient contact, the surface can be rinsed with water. Of course,
other predetermined times can be used, and may or may not be programmable
in the pump system 12 via the touch screen 20.

[0035]The pump system 12 can connect the pump 13 to the water source 16
and force water through the fluid delivery system 14. The water can exit
the same spray nozzles 30 as the degreasing composition, and can rinse
the degreasing composition from the backsplash 106 and the flue 108. Once
sufficient water is pumped by the pump system 12 to rinse the degreasing
composition from those surfaces, the pump system 12 can deactivate the
pump 13.

[0036]The water and rinsed degreasing composition can drain toward the
drain trough 110 of the cooking range exhaust 100. The cleaning system 10
allows this degreasing composition run off to drain through the drain
trough 110, through a drain pipe 34 to a collection reservoir 32 or a
drain.

[0037]The degreasing and rinsing can be repeated by the cleaning system 10
one or more times in succession to further clean the cooking range
exhaust 100.

[0038]The pump system 12 of the present disclosure might only produce
suitable force to cause the degreasing composition to mist from the hood
spray conduit and the flue spray conduit 24 to reach the backsplash 106
and flue 108. The cleaning system 10 does not require, but does allow,
highly-pressurized spray from the spray nozzles 30.

[0039]In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the spraying and
rinsing steps can be manually or automatically controlled, for example by
the pump system as described above. In further embodiments of the present
disclosure, the pump system 12 can store a record of the degrease and
rinse cycles performed, such that a user or inspector of the cleaning
system 10 can readily determine a frequency and/or number of cleanings
performed within a given time period.

[0040]So, with cleaning system 10 installed, the cooking range exhaust 100
can be considered a self-cleaning exhaust system, in that cleaning
hard-to-reach areas such as the backsplash 106 and flue 108 requires
limited user involvement. The cleaning system 10 can clean flues of
various shapes, such as circular or rectangular, and can be provided
without use of rotating parts.

[0041]Referring now to FIG. 2, a front schematic view of a cleaning system
10 for a cooking range exhaust 100 is shown according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the fluid delivery system
includes a first connection conduit 26 that connects the hood spray
conduit 22 and the flue spray conduit 24 to the pump system 12. The flue
spray conduit 24 is connected to the hood spray conduit 22. This
configuration of the hood spray conduit 22 and the flue spray conduit 24
allows the pump system 12 to convey the degreasing composition or water
through the fluid delivery system 14 via a single conduit, shown as first
connection conduit 26. In an alternate embodiment, the pump system 12 can
be directly connected to the hood spray conduit 22 without a connection
conduit.

[0042]Referring now to FIG. 3, a side schematic view of the cleaning
system 10 of FIG. 1 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the pump system 12
resides next to a cooking area 101. The hood spray conduit 22 and first
connection conduit 26 are integral, and connect to the pump system 12.
Spray openings are oriented toward the backsplash 106 within range hood
104. The flue spray conduit 24 and second connection conduit 28 are
integral and connected to the pump system 12 as well, and spray openings
on the flue spray conduit 24 are oriented toward the surfaces of the flue
108. At the top of the flue, a fan subsystem 114 is located above a
terminating end of the flue spray conduit 24.

[0043]Degreasing composition and water draining from the backsplash 106
and the flue 108 can migrate to the drain trough 110 and away from the
cooking range exhaust 100 via the drain pipe and collection reservoir
(seen, for example, in FIG. 1). It is noted that in the embodiments
shown, the fluid delivery system 14 remains separate from a fire
prevention system 112 that can be located at least partially within the
range hood 104 and flue 108. The fire prevention system 112 may be
required by state and federal government regulations for safety reasons,
and coexists with the cleaning system 10. For clarity, the fire
prevention system 112 is not included in the remaining figures; however,
it is understood to continue to be present in the cooking range exhaust
100.

[0044]Referring now to FIG. 4, a side schematic view of a cleaning system
210 for a cooking range exhaust 100 is shown according to an alternate
embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the flue spray
conduit 224 extends into a fan subsystem 114 of the cooking range exhaust
100. At least one of the spray openings is constructed to direct the
degreasing composition toward an interior surface of the fan subsystem
114.

[0045]The flue spray conduit 224 can extend into the fan subsystem 114 20
regardless of the connection within the hood 104. In an alternate
embodiment, the flue spray conduit 224 can connect to the hood spray
conduit, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0046]As in FIG. 3, degreasing composition run off and water draining from
the backsplash 106, the flue 108, and the fan subsystem 114 migrate to
the drain trough 110 and away from the cooking range exhaust 100 via the
drain pipe and collection reservoir or drain.

[0047]Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective schematic view of a portion
of a cleaning system is shown according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In the embodiment shown, a mounting arrangement for the hood
spray conduit 22 and the flue spray conduit 24 are shown.

[0048]In the embodiment shown, the hood spray conduit 22 is held in a
position along the backsplash 106 with mounting brackets 36. The mounting
brackets 36 can attach to the range hood 104 at one or more positions.
The mounting brackets 36 can extend from a top portion 105 of range hood
104, such that the hood spray conduit 22 resides approximately halfway
down the backsplash 106. The hood spray conduit 22 can be held at a
distance from the backsplash 106 sufficient to allow the spray nozzles to
propel the degreasing composition and the water to substantially the
entire surface of the backsplash 106.

[0049]The flue spray conduit 24 can be held within the flue 108 by at
least one mounting clamp 38. In the embodiment shown, two mounting clamps
38 can hold the flue spray conduit 24 substantially centrally within the
flue 108. One of the mounting clamps 38 can be located near the flue
opening 109 from the flue 108 to the range hood 104. In such an
embodiment, spray openings (such as spray nozzles 30 of FIG. 1) are
located on all sides of the flue spray conduit 24.

[0050]In an alternate embodiment of the cleaning system 10 shown, for
example, in FIG. 2, the flue spray conduit 24 can connect to the hood
spray conduit 22, such as below the flue opening 109.

[0051]Referring now to FIG. 6, a detailed schematic view of a portion of
the cleaning system 10 of FIG. 5 is shown. In the embodiment shown, a
mounting clamp 38 is shown holding the flue spray conduit 24 within the
flue 108 at the flue opening 109 of the flue 108 into the range hood 104.

[0052]In the embodiment shown, the mounting clamp 38 can be located above
the junction of the flue spray conduit 24 and the second connection
conduit 28, and below the spray nozzles 30. The mounting clamp 38 can
include a clamp body 40 surrounding the flue spray conduit 24. The clamp
body 40 can be constructed from two opposed segments 42a, 42b formed
around the flue spray conduit 24 and bolted together with bolts 44a, 44b.
Alternative configurations of the clamp body 40 are possible as well.

[0053]Two opposed adjustable legs 46a, 46b can extend from opposite sides
of the clamp body 40, and can be terminated at feet 48a, 48b. Each leg 46
can adjust in length, and can adapt to the size of the flue 108 in which
the flue spray conduit 24 is installed. In the embodiment shown, the legs
46a, 46b each include two threaded rods 50a-b, 50c-d, respectively, each
leg joined by a threaded spacer 52a, 52b that allows for such adjustment.

[0054]Once installed, friction between the interior walls of the flue 108
and the feet 48a, 48b holds the mounting clamp 38 and flue spray conduit
24 in the flue 108, eliminating the need for drilling holes or adding
mounting screws within the flue 108. In an alternate embodiment, mounting
screws or other structure could be used to fix the mounting clamp 38 to
the flue 108.

[0055]Referring now to FIG. 7, a front schematic view of a mounting clamp
38 used to mount portions of the cleaning system 10 within the flue 108
is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the
embodiment shown, the mounting clamp 38 has a clamp body 40 formed from
two opposed segments 42a, 42b. The opposed segments are connected with
bolts 44a, 44b, and form an aperture 43 sized to receive the flue spray
conduit 24 of FIGS. 1-6. Bolts 44a, 44b are fed through holes in the
opposed segments 42a, 42b in opposite directions. Alternately, the bolts
44a, 44b can be inserted through the opposed segments 42a, 42b from the
same direction.

[0056]The mounting clamp 38 can include two opposed adjustable legs 46a,
46b that extend from opposite sides of the clamp body 40, and are
terminated at feet 4Sa, 48b. The legs 46a, 46b can each include threaded
rods 50a-b, 50c-d, respectively, where each leg 46 is joined by a
threaded spacer 52a, 52b that allows for adjustment of the legs to
lengthen or shorten the leg accordingly in order to fit within varied
sizes of flues 108.

[0057]Feet 48a, 48b can be screwed or affixed to the end of the legs 44,
and act to spread out the force applied to the interior walls of the flue
108, and to hold the flue spray conduit in place. The feet 48 can be any
shape, although in the embodiment shown, disc-shaped feet are used.

[0058]Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective schematic view of the range
hood 104 with an exhaust filter 60 installed is shown according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure. Standard exhaust filters (not
shown) are typically shorter segments 12 that extend from the top portion
105 of the range hood 104 to the drain trough 110 and are placed
side-by-side within the entire length of the range hood 104. The exhaust
filters are constructed to catch grease and allow the grease and other
contaminants to drain into the drain trough 110. Although these short
segments of filter are easily handled, small gaps remain between the
filter segments that allow slight drippage of grease back onto the
cooking area. This problem can be exacerbated in the location directly
under the flue opening 109 due to the increased amount of degreasing
composition run off draining out of the flue 108. Hence, the present
disclosure includes the extended exhaust filter 60 in the range hood 104.
The exhaust filter 60 can reduce or prevent flow of the degreasing
composition run off onto the cooking surface.

[0059]The exhaust filter 60 is shown in broken lines installed within the
range hood 104. The exhaust filter 60 extends from a top portion 105 of
the range hood 104 to the drain trough 110. The exhaust filter 60 is
longer than the standard exhaust filters described above, and in the
embodiment shown is sized such that it extends at least 15 inches past
either edge of the flue opening 109 leading to the flue. This sizing
limits the amount of degreasing composition run off dripping from the
flue opening 109 and onto the cooking area 101. Other filters of various
sizes longer than the flue opening 109 could be used as well.

[0060]In one embodiment, the exhaust filter 60 is constructed from two
standard sized exhaust filters welded or otherwise fixed together such
that no gap is allowed at the center of exhaust filter 60. Additional
standard exhaust filters are added to the range hood 104 to fill the
remainder of the range hood not below the flue opening 109 to the flue
108 where exhaust filter 60 resides.

[0061]Exhaust filter 60 and the standard exhaust filters (not shown)
residing within the range hood 104 are removable for cleaning. One or
more markers 62 can be located on the range hood 104 denoting the proper
location of exhaust filter 60 such that a user can readily determine the
proper spacing and location to prevent leakage from the flue 108 onto the
cooking area 101. The markers 62 can be painted, etched, or otherwise
attached to the range hood 104. In the embodiment shown, two markers 62
denotes the proper location of the edges of the exhaust filter 60.

[0062]Referring now to FIG. 9, a perspective schematic view of an exhaust
filter 60 used to implement aspects of the present disclosure is shown.
The exhaust filter 60 includes a series of ridges 64 incorporated into a
central area of each side of the filter 60. The ridges allow ingress of
grease, water, and other liquids into the central 5 volume of the filter
60 defined by the length, width, and depth of the filter 60. Drainage
holes (not shown) are located along a bottom edge of the filter 60, and
allow the gathered liquid to exit the filter. When the filter 60 is
installed in the range hood 104 (as in FIG. 8), the holes reside in the
drain trough 110, and liquids exiting filter 60, such as degreasing
composition run off, drain directly into the drain trough 110.

[0063]An advantage of the invention is the ability to clean an exhaust
system periodically and with minimal effort. In addition, the cleaning
system 10 can be installed without having to cut through the exhaust
system flue and the fire wrap that typically wraps an exhaust system
flue. Accordingly, an exhaust system can be conveniently retrofit with
the cleaning system 10 according to the invention.

[0064]The above specification, examples and data provide a complete
description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the
invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention
resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

[0065]In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are
used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms
"comprising" and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms
"including" and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device,
apparatus, article, or process that includes elements in addition to
those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within
the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms
"first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are
not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0066]The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), to
allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical
disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be
used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in
the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together
to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending
that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather,
inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a
particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby
incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on
its own as a separate embodiment. The scope of the invention should be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full
scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.